THE NUBIAN POTTERY FROM THE PALACE DISTRICT OF AT cEZBET HELMI, AREAS H/III AND H/VI PART I: THE “CLASSIC” KERMA POTTERY FROM THE 18TH DYNASTY

By Perla Fuscaldo*

During the excavations carried out by the Austrian Most of the Kerma sherds are from the area Archaeological Institute in under the direc- H/VI,5 only two of them from H/III.6 The sherds tion of in the western part of Tell el- from H/VI come from the large palace (G)7 and c c 1 8 9 Dab a/Avaris, at Ezbet Helmi areas H/III and from its annex building (J); from the workshop W2 H/VI,2 thirty Kerma sherds were found in pottery and the workshop area;10 from artificial deposits of assemblages from the 18th Dynasty (Str. d = Ph. C/3 pottery,11 the mud filling of a pit,12 a rubbish and Str. c = Ph. C/2).3 This pottery is fully described deposit,13 an artificial deposition of mud-brick below, in The Catalogue.4 debris,14 all of them located south of that palace.

* National Scientific Council (Department of , this time. L 4001 (H/VI-u/13–16) is the other room of

IMHICIHU-CONICET), Buenos Aires, 2001. the workshop W2, with a large amount of objects made of 1 1993–1994 and 1997–1998. limestone, bases of columns, pottery, pumice fragments 2 1999–2000. and animal bones. The most recent pottery is also from 3 On the description and the stratigraphy of cEzbet Helmi, the Amarna period. The mud-brick debris inside L 4001 see: M. BIETAK, J. DORNER und P. JÁNOSI, Ausgrabungen in is called L 4001V. L 4041 is a pottery collection on the dem Palastbezirk von Avaris. Vorbericht Tell el-Dabca/cEz- courtyard before the entrance to the workshop, and L bet Helmi 1994–1998, Ä&L 11 (2001), 30ff, and M. 4023 another pottery assemblage that covered the room BIETAK ‘Rich beyond the Dreams of Avaris: Tell el-Dabca of a house (L 4025) leading to the courtyard mentioned and the Aegean World – a Guide for the Perplexed’. A above. (M. BIETAK et al., 3. Ausgrabungen in den Arealen Response to Eric H. Cline, ABSA 95 (2000), fig. 1. H/II–III and H/VI, op. cit., 48ff; iidem, op. cit., 89ff: 5. Der 4 The Kerma pottery from H/I, H/II and H/IV is being Hauptpalast G der 18. Dynastie (Areale H/II–III, H/VI)

studied by Irmgard Hein. (Str. d–c), Die Werkstätten W1–2 des Str. c (Ph.C/2). 5 Twenty-eight sherds. 10 No. 21 from L 4026 (H/VI-t/13, Str. c = Ph. C/2), a 6 Nos. 10 and 20. No. 10 was found in a filling (H/III- room related to the workshop W2 (Ibid.). This room q/16, plan 0–1, Str. a?), with material of the 18th has no floor and is filled with sand. L 4026 is cut by the Dynasty, and No. 20 in mud-brick debris (H/ III-r/19, thick wall M 1204 with bastions (H/VI-s-t/12–13, Str. plan 0–1, Str. b/1), with pottery of the late 18th Dynasty b/2 = Ph. C/1) as part of a fortification from the as the most recent ceramics. Tutankhamun and Horemheb period. For this reason 7 No. 11 from L 3004V in the north part of the palace G some post Amarna sherds were found (M. BIETAK et al., (H/VI-h/18, Str. d = Ph. C/3). L 3004V is the mud-brick 3. Ausgrabungen in den Arealen H/II–III and H/VI, debris inside the room L 3004, which belongs to the first op. cit.; iidem, op. cit., 89ff: 5. Der Hauptpalast (G) der phase of the palace, and the pottery is similar to that from 18. Dynastie (Areale H/II–III, H/VI) (Str. d–c), Die

L 3005 (see note 11), the filling of the terrace L 3010. Werkstätten W1–2 des Str. c (Ph.C/2). 8 From the wall M 1232 (No. 9) (H/VI-u/12, Str. d = Ph. 11 L 4107 (Nos. 1 and 23), and L 4107A above the first one C/3). It is a strong wall built to enlarge the ramp of the (Nos. 4, 12, 16, 18, 24 and 25). The pottery assemblage building (J), an annex to the palace G and above of L from L 4107 –used to level the surface- typologically 4107 cf. M. BIETAK et al., E&L 11, 3. Ausgrabungen in belongs to the stratum d, the early mid 18th Dynasty den Arealen H/II–III and H/VI, 48ff; iidem: op. cit., 85: and it is one of the largest found in Tell el-Dabca. This 5. Der Hauptpalast (G) der 18. Dynastie (Areale collection will be published together with the ceramics H/II–III, H/VI) (Str. d–c), Der palatiale Anbau (J). from L 3005, from the north part of the palace G, in P. 9 Nos. 3 and 17 from L 4021; Nos. 26, 28 and 30 from the FUSCALDO, Tell el-Dabca X, Part III: The Pottery from the workshop L 4001, and Nos. 15, 22, 27 and 29 from the early mid 18th Dynasty (together with C. KOHEN and S. debris (L 4001V) of the same locus. No. 2 was found in the VIGLIANI (Locus 3005) and C. KOHEN, S. BASÍLICO and L. pottery collection L 4041 and No. 19 in the pottery assem- MARTÍNEZ (Locus 4107)), forthcoming. blage L 4023. All these loci belong to the Str. c = Ph. C/2. 12 L 4202 (No. 13). This pit cuts the walls M 1301 and M L 4021 (H/VI-t/13) is the mud-brick debris inside the 1302. The pottery typologically belongs to the Str. c

room L 4020 in the workshop W2. There are some ceram- (David Aston personal communication). ics from the Amarna period (David Aston, personal com- 13 L 4014 in the south-east part of the square u/12 (Nos. munication) because the area is cut by a massive wall from 5 and 7). The most recent ceramics from this locus are 168 Perla Fuscaldo

There is generally more than one Kerma sherd in feldspar and mica, tempered with sand and organic 15 the same locus, and in Locus 3004V there is also an plant fibre, Nile E1 in the “ system”. The Egyptian imitation of a Kerma cooking pot. Kerma sherds made of Nile E1 have a fine to medi- All the Kerma pottery is hand-made in Nile silt um or medium groundmass, with a hardness fabrics, fired in controlled firing conditions. Three between 2 and 2–3. They fire red, reddish brown, fabrics are represented here. One is I-b-2,16 a Nile brown or light brown on the exterior surface, pol- clay with few sand grains, feldspar and mica, tem- ished with medium or low lustre, with a red slip. The pered with organic plant fibres, Nile B2 in the “Vien- interior is black, very dark or dark grey, polished na system”.17 The groundmass is fine to medium and with high or medium lustre, or coated. the hardness 2–3 in the modified Moh’s scale. This The break is entirely very dark grey, brown or fabric fires brown to reddish brown on the exterior yellowish red, or has a distinctive core with exterior and black, very dark grey, dark grey, or grey in the and interior zones (dark grey to dark reddish grey interior. The exterior surface has a red slip, polished or brown core, and very dark grey, dark reddish grey with high or medium lustre; the interior is polished to reddish brown exterior and interior zones). This with high, medium or low lustre. fabric is used for the “black-topped” bowls, except

The sections are black or very dark grey all for two of them made of Nile B2. The rim or the through, or have a black interior zone and a very uppermost part of the vessel is black, very dark or thin brown exterior zone, or a very dark grey interi- dark grey, polished with medium or low lustre. or and a reddish brown exterior.18 This fabric is I-e-3 is a Nile clay with dominant rounded sand equivalent to II B in Nordström’s typology.19 grains, feldspar and mica, tempered with sand and

The shapes that occur in this fabric are mainly coarse chaff. It can be called Nile E3 and is identified beakers, but also some bowls. Reisner called the style with II E in Nordström’s typology.21 The groundmass used to decorate the beakers characterised by a is medium or medium to coarse and the hardness 2. “black-topped” rim zone on a red polished slip, This fabric fires dark grey, brown to light brown; red- “beaker ware.” In the Kerma ceramics from Tell el- dish to light brown on the exterior and reddish to Dabca, the “black-topped” rim zone is black polished very dark grey inside, pinkish grey outside and dark with a high lustre of metallic sheen, black or very grey inside, brown to very dark grey on the exterior dark grey with medium or low lustre. The sherds and black inside, always polished with low lustre on from more complete beakers preserve a small irreg- the interior. The break is black, very dark grey or ular zone, dark to light grey (low lustre to matt), bril- dark reddish brown; yellowish red to reddish brown liant grey, matt pinkish grey and bluish grey to dark outside and very dark grey to black inside; or it has a bluish grey between the wide black-topped rim zone very dark grey to dark reddish grey core and dark and the red-slipped body. The “black-topped” red- grey to brown zones at the exterior and interior. Nile slipped polished ware is, from a technical point of E3 is the fabric used for making the cooking pots. view, one of the finest hand-made Nubian wares, and The Kerma pottery from cEzbet Helmi (H/III the Kerma one most widely distributed. and H/VI) includes ten sherds of fine ware The other two fabrics are I-e-1 and I-e-3.20 I-e-1 is (beakers), and twenty sherds of general household a Nile clay with dominant rounded sand grains, ware (nine bowls and eleven cooking pots).

from the post Amarna period-late 18th Dynasty (Str. 16 I-b-2 is a fabric designation in the Tell el-Dabca system. b/2) (David Aston personal communication; the pot- 17 See the note 20. tery from this period onwards from H/VI is being stud- 18 It could be produced by the penetration of smoke parti- ied by David Aston). cles into the body from the surface inwards (H.-Å. NORD- 14 L 4018 in the square u/12 (Nos. 6 and 8). The most STRÖM, J. BOURRIAU, Ceramic Technology: Clays and Fab- recent sherds from this locus are from the time of rics, in: DO.ARNOLD, J. BOURRIAU (eds.), An Introduction Amenophis III / Amenophis IV, Str. b/3 (David Aston to , Mainz 1993, fasc. 2. personal communication). 19 H.-Å. NORDSTRÖM, Neolithic and A-Group Sites, Uppsala 15 Two sherds were found in the L 4014 (Nos. 5 and 7), L 1972, The Scandinavian Joint Expedition to the 4018 (Nos. 6 and 8), L 4021 (Nos. 3 and 17) and L 4107 Sudanese , 3:1. Text, 1, 51–52 and 65–66. (Nos. 1 and 23), six in L 4001 (Nos. 15, 22, 26, 28, 29 20 I-e-1 and I-e-3 are two fabric designations in the Tell el- and No. 30) and seven in L 4107A (Nos. 4, 12, 14, 16, Dabca system. See note 20. 18, 24 and 25). 21 H.-Å. NORDSTRÖM, J. BOURRIAU, op. cit. The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 169

The shapes in the fine “black-topped” red- (Fig. 2:d) in Nile B2 is 0.7 cm thick, has a red slip slipped polished ware are beaker (Nos. 1 to 10, outside and grey interior, polished with medium lus- Figs. 1:a–j). Nile B2 is the fabric used for producing tre on both surfaces. Nos. 15 to 19 (Figs. 2:e–i) are all these vessels. No. 1 (Fig. 1:a) is a rim sherd of a made of Nile E1, with a thickness between 0.60 and tulip-shaped baker with flaring side walls, 16 cm in 0.70 cm, uncoated or red-slipped exterior and black diameter and 0.30 cm thick, “black-topped” rim with to grey interior, polished with low lustre outside and metallic lustre. Nos. 2 to 3 are also flaring sided bak- low or medium lustre inside, or smoothed (No. 19). ers with 0.30 to 0.35 cm of thickness. No. 2 (Fig. 1:b) Nos. 15 and 17 have a red slip on the interior with has as a decoration a dark grey-light grey irregular medium lustre. All of them are “black-topped” in zone, low lustre-matt, between the black-topped rim black, very dark grey or dark grey and low lustre, and the red-slipped body; the rim is black inside and except No. 18 with high lustre. outside with metallic lustre. No. 3 (Fig. 1:c) has a The cooking pots are body sherds (Nos. 21 to 30, matt pinkish grey and a dark bluish grey irregular Fig. 3:b–k), except one that is a rim fragment (No. 20, zone between the black-topped rim area and the Fig. 3:a). The fabric used of these cooking pots is Nile body. Nos. 4 to 9 are straight sided, with a wall thick- E3, except for No. 21 (Fig. 3:b), made of Nile E1. They ness between 0.30 cm and 0.55 cm, only a rim of 12 are decorated with an impressed pattern, diagonally cm in diameter is preserved (No. 5, Fig. 1:e). No. 4 made with a toothed wheel with rectangular, ovoid (Fig. 1:d) has a similar decoration, a matt bluish grey and square-shaped teeth, rolled on the leather hard zone irregularly framed by another one brilliant grey exterior surface (Nos. 20 to 28, Fig. 3:a–i). No. 20 is between the red-slipped polished body and the decorated below the trimmed and polished rim. black-topped rim. The others preserved the “black- The fragments of two cooking pots have a plain topped” rim zone, except No. 9 (Fig. 1:i), a sherd exterior surface. One of them, No. 29 (Fig. 3:j), is from the lower part of the body, red-slipped polished the sherd of a concave sided vessel, 0.85 cm thick, with high lustre. Only a flattened base has been with a polished surface – brown with medium lustre recovered (No. 10, Fig. 1:j), 3 cm in diameter, with a outside and black with low lustre inside. The upper- low lustre red-slipped exterior surface.22 The interi- most part of the sherd is dark grey to very dark grey, ors of all these beakers are black, dark grey or grey polished with medium lustre. For the fabric and the with low or medium lustre, only one with high lus- thickness of the sherd, it is a “black-topped” cooking tre (No. 4), and another has the interior smoothed pot. The other, No. 30 (Fig. 3:k), has no decoration (No. 8, Fig. 1:h). on the parts preserved, the surface is smoothed, There are nine bowls, Nos. 11 to 19 (Fig. 2:a–i). dark grey outside and brown inside. Nos. 11 to 13 are concave sided, made of Nile E1 Besides these Kerma sherds, there is an Egyptian except the third one in Nile B2. No. 11 (Fig. 2:a) has imitation of a Kerma cooking pot (No. 31, Fig. 4). a rim diameter of 12 cm and a wall thickness of 0.45 The “incised Nubian ware” was reproduced on a cm, polished red outside and black inside, with high dark grey smoothed surface of an Egyptian wheel- 23 lustre on both surfaces. Nos. 12 and 13 (Fig. 2:b, c) made vessel in Nile E2. Although the decoration have the rim trimmed, 16 cm in diameter, and the resembles quite well the Kerma “incised” (or wall between 0.40 cm and 0.55 cm thick; the surface “scratched”)24 ware, the fabric, the shaping tech- is reddish brown or light reddish brown with dark nique, the firing and the surface treatment clearly grey interior, polished outside and smoothed inside reflect the Egyptian ceramic tradition of this frag- or polished with medium lustre on both surfaces. As ment. The impressed and the incised wares are a decoration the rim of these three bowls are “black- found not only in Kerma but also in the A-Group topped” polished with medium, low or high lustre. and the C-Group and in the “Pan-graves”, as a char- From the other six bowls, only body sherds are acteristic common to all these Nubian cultures preserved, five in Nile E1 and one in Nile B2. No. 14 which reflects their African origin.

22 Type C III 1b in Gratien’s typology (B. GRATIEN, Sai I. 24 As it is called by J. BOURRIAU, The Pottery, in: P. LACO- La nécropole Kerma, Paris 1986). VARA, Deir el-Ballas. Preliminary Report on the Deir el-Ballas 23 It seems to be Type C II 2b in Gratien’s typology, a Expedition, 1980–1986, Winona Lake 1990, chap. 4, 18. round-bottomed bowl (B. GRATIEN, Sai I. La nécropole Kerma, Paris 1986). 170 Perla Fuscaldo

These Kerma sherds are dated to the “Classic” The African origin of this culture is not only phase, according to the classification of Gratien and revealed by the pottery decoration but also by the Privati,25 which is contemporary with the Second existence of human sacrifices in the tombs of the Intermediate Period and the early mid 18th Dynasty kings and the high officials at Kerma,32 sacrifices in Egypt.26 already known in Sudan in the Neolithic.33 This The Kerma pottery that has been found at cEzbet practice continued in Kerma until the end of the Helmi (H/III and H/VI) shows that there were Ker- “Classic” period and shows the stratification of its mans in Avaris during the 18th Dynasty.27 Their pot- society.34 tery could have been well-known enough in Avaris to Through its strategic position, Kerma was a very inspire a local imitation of the Kerma vessels. important trade centre with a main role in the inter- The Nubian Kerma culture developed in the fer- connections with Egypt, Sudan and the neighbour- tile Dongola basin, south of the 3rd cataract. From a ing regions, and South Arabia,35 through a number political point of view, the Kerma settlement grew to of local networks to obtain and transfer the com- become a powerful kingdom during the “Classic” modities – mainly luxuries for the elite. This trade is phase. This phase of the Kerma culture is found from connected with human labour,36 gold and “exotic” Buhen in the north to Mahal Teglinos, near Kassala,28 products. The cross-frontier trade luxuries are prin- in the south. Semna, Mirgissa, Askut, Ukma,29 Akasha, cipally those from the central Sudanese savannah, Tombos, Kawa, Tabo, Bugdumbush and Gism el- “exotic” animals – baboons, hunting dogs, gazelles – Arba,30 were other Kerma centres or settlements with and animal products, such as leopard and cheetah Kerma culture elements, whilst Sai was an important skins, ostrich feathers and eggs, semi-precious administrative centre of the Kerma kingdom.31 stones and other minerals, ivory, ebony, and myrrh,

25 B. GRATIEN, Sai I et la culture Kerma. Essai de classifica- 33 CH. BONNET, Kerma, royaume africain de Haute Nubie, tion. Lille 1978. B. PRIVATI, La poterie de la ville de in: T. HÄGG (ed.), Nubian Culture Past and Present, Main Kerma. Kerma 1977–1978, Genava, NS. 26 (1978), Papers presented at the Sixth Conference for Nubian Studies in 129–134; B. GRATIEN, La céramique de la nécropole Uppsala, 11–16 August, 1986, Konferenser 17, Stock- orientale de Kerma: Essai de classification, CRIPEL 20 holm 1987, 106. (1999), 41–50. On the pottery from this period see 34 CH. BONNET, Des premières differences…, CRIPEL also P. LACOVARA, An Incised Vase from Kerma, JNES 17/1, 143–148. As a result of the increase of Kerma 44, No. 3 (1985), 213–216. power, it could be supposed that during the “Classic” 26 The Classic phase is dated by Bonnet between 1750 and phase the negroid elements will be more numerous 1500 B.C. (CH. BONNET, Des premières differences than in the “Ancient” phase, such as was supported by sociales à l’emergence d’un État. La Moyenne Nubie Bonnet (“Kerma, royaume africain de Haute Nubie”…, (IVe–IIe millénaire avant J.C.), CRIPEL 17/1 (1995), 105). But the anthropological studies made on the Actes de la VIIIe Conférence Internationale des Etudes human remains from the Kerma tombs showed that Nubiennes Lille 11–17 Septembre 1994. I. : Communi- the chief and the sacrificed connected with him belong cations principales, 146. to the same Kerma population and that there is no 27 On the Kerma pottery in Egyptian settlements from the more negroid affinities in the second group than in the Second Intermediate Period and the beginning of the first one. The “Classic” Kerma population is more close 18th Dynasty, see J. BOURRIAU, The Pottery, in: P. L ACO- to the Nubian groups than the “Ancient” Kerma (CH. VARA, Deir el-Ballas, 16–17, and the bibliography men- SIMON, Les populations Kerma. Evolution interne et tioned there. relations historique dans le contexte Egypto-nubien”, 28 Kerma and Egyptian ceramics have been found in this Archéologie du Nile Moyen 3 (1989),139–147). settlement. A. MANZO, Les tessons ‘exotiques’ du 35 The inclusion of the Gash Delta in this exchange net- groupe du Gash: un essai d’étude statisque, CRIPEL work, known through the Kerma and Egyptian prod- 17/2 (1997), Actes de la VIIIe Conférence Interna- ucts found in Mahal Teglinos during the “Classic” and tionale des Etudes Nubiennes, Lille 11–17 Septembre “Late” phases of the Gash Group, is related to the 1994. II.– Découvertes archéologiques, 77–87. development of a chiefdom in the Kassala region. This 29 A. VILA, Le cimetière kermaïque d’Ukma Ouest, Paris 1982. culture acted as an intermediary between Kerma and 30 This site is located at the entrance of wadi el-Khowi. B. South Arabia (R. FATTOVICH, The Gash Group. A Com- GRATIEN, Gism El-Arba, un habitat Kerma. Les niveaux plex Society in the Lowlands to the East of the Nile, tardifs, CRIPEL 17/2 (1997), 55–65. CRIPEL 17/1 (1995), 191–200). 31 See GRATIEN, Sai I. 36 It is documented by the “Koller papyrus” (R. CAMINOS, 32 G. A. REISNER, Excavations at Kerma. Part I–III, Harvard Late-Egyptian Miscellanies, 1954, 438–439). African Studies 5, Cambridge, Mass. 1923, (tumulus K IV), 110–242. The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 171 incense and other aromatic resins from further Bourriau has mentioned archaeological evi- East.37 All these products are known to be imported dence for Kermans in Egypt during the late 17th and into Egypt and they are also found in the Kerma early 18th Dynasties. Two significant factors indicate royal tombs, while cereals, honey and unguents the presence of Kermans in Upper Egypt at the end were exported from Egypt inside vessels, many of of the Second Intermediate Period.42 The first refer- which were deposited as funerary equipment in the ence comes from Deir el-Ballas, a settlement from Kerma burials. the late 17th until the beginning of the 18th Dynasty, The existence of diplomatic ties between Avaris where “Classic” Kerma pottery – mainly cooking and Kerma was already known through a letter sent pots but also storage jars and fine ware – has been by the king Apophis to the king of Kush38 found in the living areas. The second one is from and mentioned in “the second stela of ”.39 the necropolis of the 17th Dynasty kings at Dra cAbu But the ceramic evidence now points to direct con- el-Naga, where there is the tomb of a woman and tacts between both kingdoms. Gratien40 supposes her child buried with “Classic” Kerma beakers and a the existence of Egyptians in Kerma in connection golden necklace. She could be a Kerman of impor- with the reception and control of commodities tance. At the end of the Second Intermediate Peri- delivered to Egypt. The seals and seal-impressions od, the Kerma occupation on the 2nd cataract forts from Kerma at the end of the 13th Dynasty, with was put to an end, especially in Buhen, and the Egyptian names and titles related to the Egyptian Egyptian campaign mentioned in “the second stela administration in the Lower Nubia centres, reflect of Kamose” before the war against Avaris, could the relations between both states and the develop- have provided Egypt with Kerman mercenaries.43 ment of the commercial links during the “Classic” BOURRIAU supposes that there was a large contingent phase.41 of Kermans in the army of Kamose.44

37 R. MORKOT, The Economy of Nubia in the New King- 40 Les institutions égyptiennes en Nubie au Moyen dom, CRIPEL 17/1 (1995), 175–189. Empire d’après les empreintes de sceaux, CRIPEL 17/1 38 “... I (i.e. Kamose) seized his message on the upland oasis (1995), 149–166. (route) on the way southwards to Kush in a written letter. I 41 See P. CERETTA, Problemi cronologici e ipotesi di found on it the following in writing: ‘From the hand of the datazione degli scarabei e delle cretule rinvenuti a ruler of Avaris. ‘Awoserre‘, the son of Rec Apophis greets the Kerma, CRIPEL 17/3 (1998), Actes de la VIIIe Con- son of the ruler of Kush. Why do you ascend as ruler without férence Internationale des Etudes Nubiennes. Lille letting me know? Do you see what Egypt has done against me? 11–17 Septembre 1994. III., Ètudes, 73–78, who studies The ruler who is there, Kamose, the brave, given life, is attack- seals and seal-impressions from Kerma in the “Classic” ing me upon my territory although I have not attacked him in period, inclusive one of them with the name , the manner of all he has done against you. He chooses these which is probably identified with the Hyksos king . two lands to afflict them, my land and yours, and he has dev- 42 J. BOURRIAU, Relations between Egypt and Kerma dur- astated them ...’”. (H. S. SMITH and A. SMITH, A Reconsid- ing the Middle and New Kingdoms, in: W. V. DAVIES eration on the Kamose Texts”, ZÄS 103 (1976), 61). (ed.), Egypt and Africa. Nubia from Prehistory to Islam, 39 The two stelae of Kamose belong to the literary genre London 1991 (1993), 129–144. called the “Königsnovelle” (A. ROSENVASSER, La novela 43 In the First Intermediate Period, there are Nubians act- real en la literatura del Antiguo Egipto, RIHAO 5 ing as mercenaries in the Egyptian army (H.G. FISCHER, (1980), 29–47), but the situation that is described there The Nubian Mercenaries at Gebelein during the First represents historical facts, such as the existence of three Intermediate Period, Kush 9 (1961), 44–80). Bonnet political centres of power (Avaris, Thebes and Kerma) mentions a tomb at Kerma from the beginning of the and the imports from Retenu in the Avaris harbour. In “Middle” phase, which has preserved funerary tradi- “The first stela of Kamose” and “The Carnarvon Tablet”, tions not only from Kerma origin – such as the round Kamose says: “... Why do I (still) contemplate my strength plan of the tomb and the body placed on the right side while there is (yet) one Great Man in Avaris and another on in contract position – but also from Egyptian origin – a Kush, sitting (here idle) united with an Asiatic and a Negro wood sarcophagus with some painted hieroglyphics while each man possesses his slice of Egypt, dividing the land and an offering table. He says that this tomb could have with me?” (H. S. SMITH and A. SMITH, op. cit., 59). In “The belonged to a Kerma mercenary who lived in Egypt Second stela of Kamose” there are mentioned the Asiat- and returned to his city where he died and was buried ic products imported to Avaris: “three hundred ships of new in this cemetery (CH. BONNET, Kerma, royaume csh-wood filled with gold, lapis-lazuli, silver, turquoise, bronze africain, 107, see note 34). axes without number, besides ben-oil, incense, fat, honey, itwrn- 44 J. BOURRIAU, op.cit., (see note 42) wood, ssndjm-wood and spny-wood, all their costly woods and all the fine products of Retenu...” (Ibidem, 60). 172 Perla Fuscaldo

Kerma pottery has also been found in Edfu in Surface colour: 5YR 2.5/1 black Upper Egypt, and at Gurob, Saqqarah and Memphis Break: 5YR 2.5/1 black in the Memphis-Fayum region, indicating the pres- Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: very few) and mica (few); straw (very few) tempered ence of Kermans in Egypt at the beginning of the Decoration: “black-topped” rim outside and inside; metal- th 45 18 Dynasty. lic lustre The Kerman pottery found in Tell el-Dabca at Surface treatment: polished, high lustre outside and inside cEzbet Helmi provides more archaeological evi- Field reference: H/VI-t/13, plan 3, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), dence of the presence of Kermans in Egypt during L 4107 (from the pottery layer. 5.1 m S., 1.2 m W. H: 3.71 m) the beginning of the 18th Dynasty, that must pre- No. 2 (Fig. 1:b; Plate 1:b). 8943K {2001/141} date the destruction of Kerma in the Dongola basin. RPSP I-b-2 fein Ha1 --- re. 2–3 After the defeat of the Hyksos dynasty in the Delta Body sherd, mended and the Canaanite chiefdoms in the region between Wd: 0.35 cm; H1: 6.0 + x cm Avaris and Sharuhen, the Egyptian kings, first Surface colour: 10R 5/6 red slip on the exterior; 5YR Ahmose and then Thutmose I, continued the policy 2.5/1 black on the interior in Nubia against the “ruler of Kush”. The destruc- Break: 5YR 2.5/1 black tion of the Kerma kingdom by Thutmose I and the Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: very few) beginning of the Egyptian colonisation of Upper and mica (few); straw (very few) tempered Decoration: a dark grey-light grey irregular zone (5YR Nubia meant the lost of the main control of the 4/1–7/1), low lustre-matt, between the black-topped rim trade network in Upper Nubia by Kerma, but the and the red-slipped body; the rim is black (5YR 2.5/1) local commercial networks continued, and Egypt inside and outside with metallic lustre started to became involved in this international Surface treatment: polished outside (medium lustre) and trade network in a more direct way.46 inside (high lustre) Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 3, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), L 4041 (from the pottery collection on the surface of the 47 THE CATALOGUE workshop W2 area. 3. 7.9 m S., 5.1 m E. H: 4.43 m) I. “Classic” Kerma pottery in the 18th Dynasty No. 3 (Fig. 1:c; Plate 1:c). 8943L {2001/141} contexts RPSP I-b-2 fein Ha1 --- re. 2–3 1. Fine ware Body sherd Wd: 0.30 cm; H1: 2.1 + x cm 1.1. Beakers (“Black-topped” ware) Surface colour: 10R 5/6 red slip on the exterior; 5YR 2.5/1 black on the interior Nile B2 fabric Flaring sided, tulip type Break: 5YR 2.5/1 black Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: very few) No. 1 (Fig. 1:a; Plate 1:a). 8943M {2001/141} and mica (few); straw (very few) tempered [RP]SP I-b-2 fein Ha --- re. 2–3 Decoration: an irregular zone, 5YR 6/2 pinkish grey, matt, 1 and another 5PB 4/1 dark bluish grey between the black- Rim sherd, 3/64 preserved. topped rim area (5YR 4/1 dark grey) and the body

Rd: 16.0 cm; Wd: 0.30 cm; H1: 3.5 + x cm Surface treatment: polished outside (medium lustre) and

45 For the references see J. BOURRIAU, Relations between expedition under Amenophis III and references in an Egypt and Kerma … and the bibliography mentioned enigmatic inscription at the temples of Amara and there; eadem, Cemetery and Settlement Pottery of the Aksha, there is no more references until Ramesses III, Second Intermediate Period to early New Kingdom, in the “Harris Papyrus” (Aksha (Serra West): A. DANERI BES 8 (1989/87), 47–59. DE RODRIGO, El templo de Ramsés II. La inscripción 46 In the southern Atbai, Mahal Teglinos could act as the enigmática del atrio, REE 1 (1990), 47–52). overland port of trade for the Punt products exported 47 Explanations of the vessel descriptions: above the to Egypt (K. SADR, The Medjay in Southern Atbai, boxes there is the inventory number of the vessel and Archéologie du Nile Moyen 4 (1990), 63–96). References the drawing number in the records of the Mission and to direct expeditions to Punt are known by Egyptian the year when it was drawn; inside the boxes, there are texts from the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, which mentioned the ware, the fabric in the Tell el-Dabca sys- were interrupted during the Second Intermediate Peri- tem, the quality of the groundmass, the method of od as it is mentioned in the Hatshepsut inscription at manufacture, the shaping technique of the base, the Deir el-Bahari. Besides this inscription, which is the firing index and the hardness, according to the most complete description of the trip to Punt, some “Keramikinventar”. references during the reign of Thutmose III, a possible The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 173

Fig. 1

inside (high lustre) grey, brilliant) between the red-slipped polished body and Field reference: H/VI-t/13, plan 0–1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), the black-topped rim L 4021 (from the debris inside the room L 4020 in the Surface treatment: polished outside (medium lustre) and

Workshop W2) inside (high lustre) Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 5–6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), Straight sided L 4107A (under the hard surface in plan 5, L 4099. H: 4.12–3.86 m) No. 4 (Fig. 1:d; Plate 1:d). 8938B1–3 {2000/47} No. 5 (Fig. 1:e; Plate 1:e). 8912W {2000/77} RPSP I-b-2 f.–mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3 [RP]SP I-b-2 mid. Ha --- re. 2–3 Body sherds 1

Size: 1. Wd: 0.3 cm; H1: 1.7 + x cm; 2. Wd: 0.45 cm; H1: 1.6 Rim sherd; rim 1/16 preserved + x cm; 3. Wd: 0.55 cm; H1: 4.1 + x cm Rd: 12.0 cm; Wd: 0.3 cm; H1: 1.5 + x cm Surface colour: 7.5YR 5/3 brown; slip on the exterior: 10R Surface colour: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey outside and 4/6 red (–5/8 very dark grey); 5YR 2.5/1–10YR 2/1 black inside on the interior Break: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey.

Break: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and > 0.50 feldspar, mica (abundant) and crushed limestone (very mm: abundant) and mica (abundant); straw tempered few and small); straw (very few) tempered Technical details: striation from the burnishing inside Decoration: “black-topped” rim (10YR 3/1 very dark grey) Decoration: “black-topped” ware; a grey (5PB 6/1–5/1 Surface treatment: polished, low lustre outside and medi- bluish grey, matt) zone framed by another one (N4/1 um inside 174 Perla Fuscaldo

Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 0–1, Str. b/2 (=Ph. B/2), No. 9 (Fig. 1:i; Plate 1:i). 8937A {2001/47} L 4014 (from a rubbish deposit in the south-east part of RPSP I-b-2 f.–mid. Ha --- re. 2–3 the square, filled with ash, a large amount of sherds and 1 fragments of faience, limestone and mud-bricks) Body sherd Wd: 0.2 cm; H : 2.1 + x cm No. 6 (Fig. 1:f; Plate 1:f). 8930D {2000/161} 1 Surface colour: 2.5YR 5/6 red slip on the exterior; 10YR RPSP I-b-2 mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3 4/1 dark grey on the interior Body sherd Break: 2.5YR 5/6 red outside and 10YR 3/1 very dark grey inside Wd: 0.4 cm; H1: 2.0 + x cm Surface colour: 2.5YR 5/6 red slip on the exterior; 10YR Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and > 0.50 3/1 very dark grey on the interior mm: few) and mica (abundant); straw (very few) tempered Break: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey with a 5YR 5/4 reddish Decoration: “black-topped” ware brown exterior zone Surface treatment: polished outside (high lustre) and inside (medium lustre) Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), feldspar, mica (abundant) and crushed limestone (very Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 7–8, Str. d (=Ph. C/3) few and small); straw (very few) tempered (from the south section of the wall M 1232) Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone (10YR 3/1 very dark Flattened base grey) Surface treatment: polished outside and inside, medium No. 10 (Fig. 1:j; Plate 1:j). 8442M {1994/129} lustre RPSP I-b-2 mid. Ha Ha re. 2–3 Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 2–3, Str. b/3 (=Ph. 1 B/2), L 4018 (from the mud-brick debris probably fallen Base sherd, 7/32 preserved; mended from the wall M 1201 of the workshop W2, located in the Bd: 3.0 cm; Wd: 0.65 cm; H1: 1.1 + x cm square u/13) Surface colour: 7.5YR 5/4 brown; slip on the exterior: 10R 5/6 red 7.5YR 5/1 grey–3/1 very dark grey on the No. 7 (Fig. 1:g; Plate 1:g). 8930F {2000/77} ; interior RPSP I-b-2 mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3 Break: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey with a 5YR 5/4 reddish Body sherd brown exterior zone Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm, > 0.50 mm Wd: 0.4 cm; H1: 1.7 + x cm Surface colour: 2.5YR 5/6 red slip on the exterior; 10YR and > 2.0 mm: abundant; < 2 mm: occasionally), feldspar, 3/1 very dark grey on the interior mica (abundant) and small crushed limestone and rocks; Break: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey and a 5YR 5/4 reddish straw tempered brown exterior zone Surface treatment: polished, low lustre Field reference: H/ III-r/19, plan 0–1, Str. b (=Ph. B/2); Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (>0.25 mm: abundant), feldspar, mica (abundant) and crushed limestone (very from K-6054 (from the mud-brick debris. H: 3.90–4.20 m) few and small); straw (very few) tempered Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone, very dark grey (2.5Y 2. General household ware 3/1) to black (2.5Y 2.5/1) Surface treatment: polished, high lustre outside and low 2.1. Bowls (“Black-topped” ware) lustre inside Nile E fabric Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 0–1, Str. b/2 (=Ph. B/2), 1 L 4014 (from a rubbish deposit in the south-east part of the Concave sided square, filled with ash, a large amount of sherds and frag- No. 11 (Fig. 2:a; Plate 2:a). 8929L {2000/77} ments of faience, limestone and mud-bricks) 1–2 TGSP I-e-1 mid. Ha --- re. 2–3 No. 8 (Fig. 1:h; Plate 1:h). 8930E {2000/78} 1 Two sherds, a rim and a body sherd; rim 1/32 preserved RP? I-b-2 mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3 Size: 1. Rd: 12.0 cm; Md: 13.0 + x cm; Wd: 0.45 cm; H1: 1.7 Body sherd + x cm 2. Md: 15.3 cm; Wd: 0.45 cm; H1: 4.6 + x cm Wd: 0.45–0.50 cm; H1: 4.0 + x cm Surface colour: 2.5YR 5/6 red on the exterior; 10YR 2/1 Surface colour: 5YR 5/3 reddish brown to 5YR 4/2 dark black on the interior reddish grey on the exterior (slip?); 7.5YR 4/1 dark grey Break: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey on the interior Fabric: Nile E1; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and > 0.50 Break: 10YR 3/1 very dark grey mm: abundant; < 2.0 mm: occasionally), feldspar and

Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), mica; sand and straw tempered feldspar, mica (abundant) and crushed limestone (very Technical details: horizontal polishing marks inside. few and small); straw (very few) tempered Decoration: “black-topped” rim (10YR 2/1 black), pol- Surface treatment: polished outside (medium lustre) and ished with medium lustre smoothed inside Surface treatment: polished, high lustre outside and Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 2–3, Str. b/3 (=Ph. inside B/2), L 4018 (from the mud-brick debris probably fallen Field reference: H/VI-h/18, plan 1–2, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), from the wall M 1201 of the workshop W2, located in the L 3004V; from K-9032 (from the mud-brick debris inside square u/13) the room L 3004. H: 4.50 m) The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 175

Fig. 2

Concave sided with trimmed rim Nile B2 fabric No. 12 (Fig. 2:b; Plate 2:b). 8942E {2001/48} Concave sided with trimmed rim No. 13 (Fig. 2:c; Plate 2:c). 8932D {2000/161} TGSP I-e-1 mid. Ha1 --- mi. 2–3 Rim sherd, 1/3 preserved TGSP I-b-2 f.–mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3

Rd: 16.0 cm; Wd: 0.4 cm; H1: 2.3 + x cm Rim and body sherd; rim 1/32 preserved Surface colour: 5YR 5/3 reddish brown on the exterior; Rd: 16.0 cm; Wd: 0.55 cm; H1: 3.3 + x cm 5YR 3/1 very dark grey on the interior Surface colour: 5YR 6/3 light reddish brown on the exte- Break: 5YR 4/6 yellowish red rior; 2.5YR 3/1 very dark grey on the interior

Fabric: Nile E1; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), Break: 2.5YR 3/1 very dark grey mica (abundant) and crushed limestone (few); sand and Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: few) and straw (few) tempered mica (abundant); straw (few) tempered Decoration: “black-topped” rim (5YR 3/1 very dark grey), Decoration: “black-topped” rim, 2.5YR 2.5/1 black (2.5YR polished outside and inside, low lustre 3/1 very dark grey on the lower part), polished with low Surface treatment: polished outside and smoothed inside lustre outside (on the flattened part of the rim) and Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 5–6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), inside, and high lustre on the lower part of the black zone. L 4107A (under the hard surface in plan 5, L 4099. Surface treatment: polished; medium lustre on the body H: 4.12–3.86 m) outside and inside 176 Perla Fuscaldo

Fig. 3

Field reference: H/VI-v/14, plan 1, Str. c (= Ph. C/2), L Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone, 7.5YR 3/1 very dark 4202 (from the mud filling of a pit) grey, polished with low lustre Surface treatment: polished; medium lustre outside and Bowls ? (body sherds) inside Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 5–6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), Nile B2 fabric L 4107A (under the hard surface in plan 5, L 4099. No. 14 (Fig. 2:d; Plate 2:d). 8938A {2001/047} H: 4.12–3.86 m) RPSP I-b-2 f.–mid. Ha --- re. 2–3 1 Nile E1 fabric Body sherd, mended No. 15 (Fig. 2:e; Plate 2:e). 8943T {2000/77} Wd: 0.7 cm; H : 5.2 + x cm 1 RP I-e-1 f.-mid. Ha --- re. 2–3 Surface colour: 7.5YR 5/3 brown; slip on the exterior: 10R 1 5/3 weak red; 7.5YR 5/1 grey on the interior Body sherd

Break: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black with a very thin brown (7.5YR Wd: 0.65 cm; H1: 2.7 + x cm 5/3) zone at the exterior Surface colour: 5YR 5/3 reddish brown; slip on the exte-

Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and > 0.5 mm; rior (10R 5/6 red) and interior (10R 4/2–4/3 weak red) abundant) and mica (abundant); straw tempered Break: 5YR 3/1 very dark grey The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 177

Fabric: Nile E1; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), No. 19 (Fig. 2:i; Plate 2:i). 8943O {2001/141} feldspar and mica; sand and straw (few) tempered [P] I-e-1 mid. Ha --- re. 2–3 Technical details: horizontal polishing marks inside 1 Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone, 5YR 4/1 dark grey, Body sherd polished with low lustre Wd: 0.7 cm; H1: 1.7 + x cm Surface treatment: polished, low lustre outside and medi- Surface colour: 5YR 4/1 dark grey inside; the exterior is um inside covered by the black band Field reference: H/VI-u/13, plan 0–1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), Break: 5YR 4/1 dark grey core with 5YR 4/2 dark red- L 4001V (from the debris inside the room, between the dish grey–5YR 4/3 reddish brown exterior and interior base (plan 1) until 10 cm below the upper part of the wall) zones Fabric: Nile E ; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), No. 16 (Fig. 2:f; Plate 2:f). 8942K {2001/48} 1 mica (few); sand and straw (few) tempered. TGSP I-e-1 mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3 Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone, 5YR 2.5/1 black, Body sherd polished with low lustre Surface treatment: polished outside?; smoothed inside Wd: 0.65 cm; H1: 4.0 + x cm Surface colour: 7.5YR 5/2 brown on the exterior; 7.5YR Field reference: H/VI-t/13, plan 0–1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), 2.5/1 black on the interior. The exterior is covered by the Locus 4023 (from a pottery collection in the mud-brick black-topped zone debris that covered the room of a house (locus 4025) Break: 7.5YR 4/3 brown 2.2. Cooking pots Fabric: Nile E1; inclusions: quartz (>0.25 mm: abundant) and mica (abundant); sand and straw (few) tempered. Cooking pots with impressed decoration Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone, 5YR 4/1 dark grey, Nile E3 fabric polished with low lustre Surface treatment: polished inside, medium lustre. Straight sided with trimmed rim Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 5–6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), No. 20 (Fig. 3:a; Plate 3:a). 8441Z {1994/122} L 4107A (under the hard surface in plan 5, L 4099. TG I-e-3 mid. Ha --- re. 2 H: 4.12–3.86 m) 1 No. 17 (Fig. 2:g; Plate 2:g). 8943N {2001/146} Rim sherd, 3/64 preserved Rd: 24.0 cm; Wd: 0.6 cm; H1: 3.4 + x cm RP I-e-1 f.–mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3 Surface colour: brown, 7.5YR 5/4 on the exterior and Body sherd 7.5YR 5/3 on the interior Break: very dark grey (10YR 3/1) core with thin brown Wd: 0.65 cm; H1: 2.5 + x cm Surface colour: 10R 5/4 red–2.5YR 5/4 reddish brown slip (10YR 5/4) exterior and interior zones on the interior; the exterior is covered by the black band Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and Break: 5YR 4/1 dark grey–4/2 dark reddish grey core with > 0.50 mm: abundant), feldspar, mica (abundant), 5YR 3/1 very dark grey exterior and interior crushed limestone and grog; sand and coarse straw tem- pered Fabric: Nile E1; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant) and mica (abundant); sand and straw (few) tempered Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone, 5YR 2.5/1 black, toothed wheel below the polished rim polished with low lustre Surface treatment: smoothed outside; an uneven surface Surface treatment: polished, medium lustre inside. inside Field reference: H/VI-t/13, plan 0–1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), Field reference: H/III-q/16, plan 0–1, Str. a (from a fill- L 4021 (from the debris inside the room L 4020 in the ing. H: 4.30 cm)

Workshop W2) Body sherds No. 18 (Fig. 2:h; Plate 2:h). 8938C {2000/161} No. 21 (Fig. 3:b; Plate 3:b). 8943P1–2 {2001/146} [P]SP I-e-1 mid. Ha1 --- re. 2–3 TGSP I-e-1 mid. Ha --- re. 2 Body sherd 1

Wd: 0.6 cm; H1: 2.5 + x cm Two body sherds Surface colour: 7.5YR 5/3 brown –6/3 light brown on the Size: 1. Wd: 0.4 cm; H1: 3.0 + x cm 2. Wd: 0.5 cm; H1: 2.5 exterior; 7.5YR 3/1 very dark grey on the interior + x cm Break: 7.5YR 4/3 brown core with 7.5 YR 3/1 very dark Surface colour: 1. 5YR 5/3 reddish brown–5YR 5/2 red- grey exterior and interior dish grey on the exterior and 5YR 4/1 dark grey on the

Fabric: Nile E1; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and > 0.50 interior. 2. 5YR 5/3 reddish brown on the exterior and mm: very abundant), mica (abundant) and crushed lime- 5YR 4/1 dark grey on the interior stone (few); sand and straw (few) tempered. Break: 1. 5YR 5/4 reddish brown exterior and 5YR 3/1 Decoration: “black-topped” rim zone, 2.5YR 3/1 very dark very dark grey interior. 2. 5YR 5/4 reddish brown core grey, polished with high lustre with 5YR 4/1 dark grey exterior and interior zones

Surface treatment: polished inside Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (>0.25 mm: abundant) Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 5–6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), and mica (few); sand and straw (few) tempered L 4107A (under the hard surface in plan 5, L 4099. Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a H: 4.12–3.86 m) toothed wheel 178 Perla Fuscaldo

Surface treatment: smoothed outside; polished inside, low No. 25 (Fig. 3:f; Plate 3:f). 8942F {2001/048} lustre TG I-e-3 mid.–roh Ha1 --- re. 2 Field reference: H/VI-t/13, plan 1–2, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), Locus 4026 (from the small section along the corner of Body sherd the room, 2.29 m wide, with the floor not preserved, filled Wd: 0.65 cm; H1: 5.0 + x cm with sand, related to the workshop W2) Surface colour: 7.5YR 4/6 light brown Break: 5YR 4/6 yellowish red outside and 7.5YR 3/1 very No. 22 (Fig. 3:c; Plate 3:c). 8943S {2001/146} dark grey inside Fabric: Nile E ; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: medium; TGSP I-e-3 mid. Ha1 --- re. 2 3 > 2.0 mm: few), mica (abundant) and crushed limestone Body sherd (few); sand and coarse straw (few) tempered Wd: 0.55 cm; H1: 3.3 + x cm Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a Surface colour: 5YR 5/4 reddish brown on the exterior; toothed wheel (decoration bad preserved) 5YR 5/2 reddish grey and 5YR 3/1 very dark grey on the Surface treatment: smoothed outside; uneven inside interior Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 5–6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), Break: 5YR 2.5/1 black inside and 5YR 5/3 reddish brown L 4107A (under the hard surface in plan 5, L 4099. outside H: 4.12–3.86 m) Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), mica (few); sand and chaff (few) tempered No. 26 (Fig. 3:g; Plate 3:g). 8942O {2001/049} Technical details: striation marks inside TGSP I-e-3 mid.–roh Ha1 --- re. 2 Decoration: impressed pattern made with a toothed wheel, not well preserved; “black-topped” ware? Body sherd Surface treatment: smoothed outside; polished inside, low Wd: 0.65 cm; H1: 3.2 + x cm lustre Surface colour: 5YR 3/1 very dark grey on the exterior; Field reference: H/VI-u/13, plan 0–1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), 5YR 2.5/1 black on the interior Locus 4001V (from the debris inside the room, between the Break: 5YR 2.5/1 black base (plan 1) until 10 cm below the upper part of the wall) Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and > 0.5 mm: abundant; > 2.0 mm: few) and mica (abun- No. 23 (Fig. 3:d; Plate 3:d). 8932J {2000/161} dant); sand and coarse straw (few) tempered Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a TGSP I-e-3 mid.–roh Ha1 --- re. 2 toothedwheel Body sherd Surface treatment: smoothed outside; polished inside, low

Wd: 0.6 cm; H1: 2.6 + x cm lustre Surface colour: 7.5YR 6/2 pinkish grey on the exterior; Field reference: H/VI-u/13, plan 1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), 7.5YR 4/1 dark grey on the interior L 4001 (from the sand on the floor of the room). Break: 2.5YR 3/1 very dark grey No. 27 (Fig. 3:h; Plate 3:h). 8943Q {2001/146} Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and > 0.50 mm: very abundant), mica and crushed limestone TGSP I-e-3 mid. Ha1 --- re. 2 (few); sand and coarse straw tempered Body sherd Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a Wd: 0.7 cm; H1: 3.4 + x cm toothed wheel, outside; “black-topped” ware? Surface colour: 7.5YR 6/4 light brown on the exterior; Surface treatment: smoothed outside; polished inside, low 7.5YR 3/1 very dark grey on the interior lustre Break: 7.5YR 3/1 very dark grey Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant) Locus 4107 (from the pottery layer. H:3.85 m) and mica (few); sand and chaff (few) tempered. Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a No. 24 (Fig. 3:e; Plate 3:e). 8942L {2001/048} toothed wheel.

TG I-e-3 mid.–roh Ha1 --- re. 2 Surface treatment: smoothed outside; polished inside, low lustre Body sherd Field reference: H/VI-u/13, plan 0–1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), L Wd: 0.4– 0.45 cm; H : 2.3 + x cm 1 4001V (from the debris inside the room, 10 cm below the Surface colour: 5YR 4/1 dark grey on the exterior and upper part of the wall) interior Break: 5YR 3/2 dark reddish brown No. 28 (Fig. 3:i; Plate 3:i). 8942M {2001/049} Fabric: Nile E ; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant; 3 TG I-e-3 mid.–roh Ha --- re. 2 > 2.0 mm: few), mica (abundant) and crushed limestone 1 (few); sand and coarse straw (few) tempered Body sherd

Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a Wd: 0.65 cm; H1: 3.4 + x cm toothed wheel Surface colour: 5YR 5/4 reddish brown on the exterior; Surface treatment: smoothed on the exterior; uneven 5YR 3/1 very dark grey on the interior inside Break: 5YR 4/3 reddish brown with a very thin zone out- Field reference: H/VI-u/12, plan 5–6, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), side very dark grey (5YR 3/1)

L 4107A (under the hard surface in plan 5, Locus Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and 4099. H: 4.12–3.86 m) > 0.5 mm: abundant) and mica (abundant); sand and The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 179 coarse straw (few) tempered. II. Egyptian imitation of a Kerma cooking pot Decoration: diagonally impressed pattern made with a toothed wheel. - Nile E2 fabric, uncoated ware Surface treatment: smoothed outside and inside No. 31 (Fig. 4; Plate IV). 8930C {2000/078} Field reference: H/VI-u/13, plan 1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), L TG I-e-2 mid. W --- re. 2 4001 (from the sand on the floor of the room) 1 Shoulder sherd

Cooking pot (“Black-topped” ware?) Md: 16.0 + x cm; Wd: 0.5 cm; H1: 4.8 + x cm Surface colour: 2.5R 4/1 dark grey Nile E fabric, concave sided 3 Break: wide core, 2.5Y 3/1 very dark grey, with thin exte- No. 29 (Fig. 3:j; Plate 3:j). 8943R {2001/146} rior and interior zones, 2.5Y 4/1 dark grey. Fabric: Nile E ; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm, > 0.50 mm PSP I-e-3mid. Ha --- re. 2 2 1 and > 2 mm: abundant), feldspar and mica; sand tem- Body sherd pered Wd: 0.85 cm; H1: 3.0 + x cm Decoration: an obliquely incised-line pattern Surface colour: 7.5YR 5/3 brown on the exterior; 4YR Surface treatment: smoothed on the wheel 2.5/1 black on the interior Field reference: H/VI-h/18, plan 1–2, Str. d (=Ph. C/3), Break: 5YR 4/2 dark reddish grey core with 5YR 4/1 dark L 3004V; from K-9032 (from the mud-brick debris inside grey exterior and interior zones the room L 3004. H: 4.50 m) Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: abundant), mica (few); sand and chaff (few) tempered. Decoration: “black-topped” ware?, 5YR 4/1 dark grey–3/1 very dark grey, polished, medium lustre Surface treatment: polished, medium lustre outside and low lustre inside Field reference: H/VI-u/13, plan 0–1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), L 4001V (from the debris inside the room, between the base (plan 1) until 10 cm below the upper part of the wall) 31 a 8930 C Cooking pot (undecorated)

Nile E3 fabric, concave sided

No. 30 (Fig. 3:k; Plate 3:k). 8942N1–2 {2001/049} Fig. 4

TG I-e-3mid.–roh Ha 1 --- re. 2 ** Two body sherds ADDENDUM Size: 1. Wd: 0.75 cm; H1: 2.5 + x cm 2. Wd: 1.0 cm; H1: 2.1 Since the conclusion of the article on the Kerma pot- + x cm tery from cEzbet Helmi in 2001, five new sherds were Surface colour: 1. 7.5YR 4/1 dark grey outside and 7.5YR recovered from the southern part of the 18th Dynasty 4/1–4/3 brown inside. 2. 7.5YR 4/1 dark grey–5/3 brown outside and inside palace-complex in the area H/VI, during the Spring Break: 1. 7.5YR 4/1 dark grey; 2. 7.5YR 4/1dark grey 2002 campaign.48 These sherds, which are described Fabric: Nile E3; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm and in The Catalogue below, belong to the “black-topped” > 0.5 mm: abundant; > 2.0 mm: medium), mica (abun- red-slipped polished ware from the “Classic” period dant) and crushed limestone (few); sand and coarse straw of the Kerma culture. Four of them are fragments of tempered. The fragment 1 is coarser than 2 Surface treatment: smoothed outside and inside beakers (Nos. 32 to 35, Fig. 5:a–d) and one of a con- Field reference: H/VI-u/13, plan 1, Str. c (=Ph. C/2), cave bowl (No. 36, Fig. 5:e).49 The pottery contexts L 4001 (from the sand on the floor of the room). where they have appeared are dated to the early to

** April, 2002. 49 The drawings of the main article and the Addendum c 48 On the stratigraphy of Ezbet Helmi, see M. BIETAK, J. were scanned by Nicola Math and the digital photos of DORNER und P. JÁNOSI, Ausgrabungen in dem Palast- the sherds described in the Addendum by María Anto- bezirk von Avaris. Vorbericht Tell el-Dabca/cEzbet nia Negrete Martinez. Helmi 1994–1998, Ä&L 11 (2001), 30ff. 180 Perla Fuscaldo

th middle 18 Dynasty (stratum C), except one of them Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: very few) (Locus 4929) that is from the beginning of this and mica (few); straw (very few) tempered Decoration: the “black-topped” rim is not preserved dynasty (relative stratum e/1 = absolute D/1).50 Surface treatment: polished, high lustre outside and All these sherds are hand-made in Nile B2 (=I-b- inside 2) fabric, fired in controlled firing conditions, with Field reference: H/VI-w/19, plan 3, stratum d (=Ph. C/3), a groundmass fine to medium or medium, and a Locus 4825 (from the mud filling, probably a dump) hardness 2 or 2 to 3. The exterior surface has a red No. 33 (Fig. 5:b; Plate 5:b). 8956M {2002/089} polished slip with high to low lustre; the interior is RPSP I-b-2 mid Ha --- re. 2–3 black, polished with high lustre for the beakers, and 1 smoothed for the bowl. Body sherd The body sherds of three of the beakers and of Wd: 0.35 cm; H1: ca. 2.0 + x cm Surface colour: 10R 5/6 red polished slip (exterior); pol- the bowl preserve part of the “black-topped” decora- ish interior: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black (interior) tion, a black to very dark grey irregular zone, with Break: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black medium or low lustre (Nos. 33 and 35), above a Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: very few) bluish grey to dark bluish grey matt area framed by and mica (few); straw (very few) tempered a red border (Nos. 34 and 36). No. 32 is the flattened Decoration: a very dark grey to black (7.5YR 3/1 very dark grey–2.5/1 black) medium lustre rim zone; below a base of a beaker that belongs to this fine ware. bluish grey (5/1) to dark bluish grey (4/1) matt zone with a red (10R 4/6) border. THE CATALOGUE Surface treatment: polished, low lustre outside and high I. “Classic” Kerma pottery in 18th Dynasty contexts lustre inside. Field reference: H/VI-v/16, plan 1, stratum c (=Ph. C/2), 1. Fine ware (“Black-topped” ware), Nile B2 fabric Locus 4001V (from the sandy surface)

1.1. Beakers, flaring sided, tulip type No. 34 (Fig. 5:c; Plate 5:c). 8956N {2002/089} No. 32 (Fig. 5:a; Plate 5:a). 8956L {2002/089} RPSP I-b-2 mid Ha1 --- re. 2–3 RPSP I-b-2 f.–mid Ha Bd. H re. 2–3 1 Body sherd

Base fragment, 1/1 preserved Wd: 0.4 cm; H1: ca. 1.3 + x cm Bd: 4.0 cm; Wd: 0.40 cm; H1: 1.5 + x cm Surface colour: 7.5YR 6/4 light brown; slip: 10R 6/6 light Surface colour: 5YR 5/4 reddish brown; exterior slip: 10R red; polished interior: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black 5/6–4/8 red; polished interior: 10R 2.5/1 black Break: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black interior (thick); 5YR 6/6 reddish Break: 10R 2.5/1 black brown exterior (thin)

Fig. 5

50 On No. 35, see note 51. Some remarks on the stratigra- a were renamed b/3 (Amarna period) and b/2 phy of cEzbet Helmi: The relative stratum e/2 corre- (Tutankhamun and Horemheb time) respectively, corre- sponds to the Phase D/2, the last Hyksos period, and e/1 sponding both to the Phase C/1. All these strata (d, c, to Phase D/1, from the beginning of the Ahmosis occu- and b) were called before absolute Stratum C. The Rames- pation of Avaris. The relative stratum d is the Phase C/3 side stratum was renamed Phase b/1 (absolute B), and the and c the Phase C/2, both phases of the Thutmosid Late Period is absolute Phase A. On the stratigraphy of palace-complex at cEzbet Helmi; the relative strata b and cEzbet Helmi, see the article mentioned in note 48. The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 181

Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: very few) Field reference: H/VI-x/19, plan 2–3, stratum e/1 (Stra- and mica (few); straw (very few) tempered tum D/1), Locus 4929 (from the cutting of the north sec- Decoration: dark grey (7.5YR 4/1) rim zone, low lustre, tion. H: 4.40 m, ca. 5 cm above the dump). 51 on a red slip (10R 4/6 red). Surface treatment: polished, low lustre outside and high 1.2. Bowl, concave sided lustre inside. No. 36 (Fig. 5:e; Plate 5:e). 8956O {2002/089} Field reference: H/VI-v/17, plan 0–1, stratum c (=Ph. C/2), Locus 4551 (from a ceramic heap on the top of the wall) RPS I-b-2 mid Ha1 --- Re. 2 No. 35 (Fig. 5:d; Plate 5:d). 8955R {2002/089} Body sherd Wd: 0.5 cm; H : ca. 2.5 + x cm RPSP I-b-2 mid Ha --- re. 2–3 1 1 Surface colour: 10R 5/6 red slip; interior: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black Body sherd Break: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black interior (thick); 7.5YR 5/3

Wd: 0.4 cm; H1: ca. 2.3 + x cm brown exterior (thin) Surface colour: 7.5YR 5/4 brown; slip: 10R 5/4 weak Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (>0.25 mm: few), mica red–2.5YR 5/6 red; interior: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black (few); straw (few) tempered Break: 7.5YR 2.5/1 black interior (thick); 5YR 6/6 reddish Decoration: a black rim zone (7.5YR 2.5/1 black) with brown exterior (thin) some parts bluish grey (5/1), dark bluish grey (4/1), and

Fabric: Nile B2; inclusions: quartz (> 0.25 mm: few), mica red (10R 4/6), medium lustre (few); straw (few) tempered Surface treatment: polished, medium lustre outside and Decoration: a black rim zone (7.5YR 2.5/1, medium lus- smoothed inside tre); below a grey band (7.5YR 6/1, matt) Field reference: H/VI-v/19, plan 2, stratum b–c (=Ph. Surface treatment: polished, low lustre outside and high C/1–2), Locus 4878 (from the upper part of the filling of lustre inside a pit, probably a dump)

Abbreviations:

Bd base diameter P polished f.–mid. fine to medium quality of the groundmass PSP polished exterior, black polished interior fein fine quality of the groundmass re. controlled firing conditions

H1 total height of the vessel Rd rim diameter Ha hand-made base RP red-slipped polished

Ha1 hand-made shaping technique RPSP red-slipped polished exterior, black polished interior L locus SP black polished Md diameter at the major point TG uncoated mi. fired in medium atmosphere TGSP uncoated exterior, black polished interior mid. medium quality of the groundmass W1 low simple wheel mid.–roh medium to coarse quality of the groundmass Wd wall thickness

51 The latest ceramics are stratum d: a black-rim ware bowl, a fine red-slipped polished bowl, and a closed shape in Marl F with polished surface. 182 Perla Fuscaldo

Plate 1 a) Inv. Nr. 8943 M; b) Inv. Nr. 8943 K; c) Inv. Nr. 8943 L; d) Inv. Nr. 8938 B1–3; e) Inv. Nr. 8912 W; f) Inv. Nr. 8930 D; g) Inv. Nr. 8930 F; h) Inv. Nr. 8930 E; i) Inv. Nr. 8937 A; k) Inv. Nr. 8442 M The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 183

Plate 2 a) Inv. Nr. 8929 L1–2; b) Inv. Nr. 8942 E; c) Inv. Nr. 8932 D; d) Inv. Nr. 8938 A; e) Inv. Nr. 8943 T; f) Inv. Nr. 8942 K; g) Inv. Nr. 8943 N; h) Inv. Nr. 8938 C; i) Inv. Nr. 8943 O 184 Perla Fuscaldo

Plate 3 a) Inv. Nr. 8441 Z; b) Inv. Nr. 8943 P1–2; c) Inv. Nr. 8943 S; d) Inv. Nr. 8932 J ; e) Inv. Nr. 8942 L; f) Inv. Nr. 8942 F; g) Inv. Nr. 8942 O; h) Inv. Nr. 8943 Q; i) Inv. Nr. 8942 M; k) Inv. Nr. 8912 N1–2 The “Classic” Kerma Pottery from the 18th Dynasty 185

Plate 4 Inv. Nr. 8930C

Plate 5 a) Inv. Nr. 8956 L; b) Inv. Nr. 8956 M; c) Inv. Nr. 8956 N; d) Inv. Nr. 8455 R; e) Inv. Nr. 8956 O 186 Perla Fuscaldo

Bibliography (see also the bibliography mentioned in the notes)

BIETAK, M., la primière moité du IIe millénaire avant J.C. Prob- 1968 Studien zur Chronologie der Nubischen C-Gruppe. Ein lèmes d’identification, CCE 6, 113–128 Beitrag zur Frühgeschichte Unternubiens zwischen 2200 HABACHI, L. ., Wien, , Band 97 and 1500 von Chr ÖAW 1945 Preliminary Report on Kamose Stela and other 1987 The C-Group and the Pan-Grave Culture in Nubia, Inscribed Blocks found reused in the Foundations in T. HÄGG (ed.), Nubian Culture Past and Present. of two Statues at Karnak, ASAE 53, 1ère. Fasc., Main Papers presented at the Sixth Conference for 195–202 and plate 1 Nubian Studies in Uppsala, 11–16 August, 1986, Kon- 1972 The Second Stela of Kamose and his Struggle against the ferenser 17, Stockholm, 113–128 Hyksos Ruler and his Capital. Glückstadt, ADAIK 8 BONNET, CH. LACOVARA,P. 1980 Les fouilles archéologiques de Kerma (Soudan). 1985 A Domestic Assemblage from Kerma, BCE 10, Rapport préliminaire des campaignes de 56–57 1978–1979 et 1979–1980, Genava, NS 28, 31–62 HAMMAD, M. 1986 Kerma, territoire et métropole. Quatre leçons au Collège de 1957 Découverte d’un stele du roi Kamose, 30 No. France, Bibliothéque Générale 9, Le Caire Cd’E 60, 198–208 and fig. 14 BOURRIAU, J. 1981 Nubians in Egypt during the Second Intermediate SADR, S. Period: An Interpretation based on the Egyptian 1987 The Territorial Expense of the Pan-Grave Culture, Archéologie du Nile Moyen 2, 265–292 Ceramic Evidence, in: DO. ARNOLD (ed.), Studien sur altägyptischen Keramik, Mainz, 25–42 SÄVE-SÖDERBERGH, T DE PAEPE.P. and BRYSSE, I. 1989 Middle Nubian Sites, Uppsala, The Scandinavian 1986 Analyse microscopique et chemique de la Joint Expedition to Sudanese Nubia, 4:1 céramique de Kerma (Soudan)“. Kerma 1984–1986. SMITH, S.T. Génava NS 34, 41–45 1995 Askut in Nubia. The Economics and the Ideology of GRATIEN, B. Egyptian Imperialism in the Second Millennium B.C., 1985 La nécropole SAC 4 de l’Ile de Saï: L’occupation London Kerma, in: F. GEUS and F. THILL (eds.), Mélanges WILLIAMS, B. offerts à Jean Vercoutter, Paris, 96–105 1983 C-Group, Pan Graves and Kerma Remains at Adindan 2000 Les pots de cuisson nubiens et les bols décorés de Cemeteries T, K, U and J, Chicago, OINP 5